Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant Jones distinguished himself on 27 August 1968 while serving as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Cu Chi. His company made contact with a firmly entrenched battalion of North Vietnamese Army regulars and in the initial burst of fire both his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were wounded. Immediately assuming command, Sergeant Jones maneuvered his men forward to place effective fire upon the enemy. Seeing five soldiers who had been wounded as they assaulted an enemy bunker, he fearlessly crawled through the hostile barrage and silenced the bunker with hand grenades. He then made two trips into the exposed area and with the aid of a comrade rescued all five men. As the other companies of his battalion arrived and encircled the North Vietnamese, the communists massed in front of his platoon attempting to over run it. Skillfully directing gun ship and artillery support and the fires of his men, three assaults were repelled. After running across two hundred meters of fire-swept terrain to obtain another unit and continued to adjust artillery rounds with deadly accuracy. However, a fourth human wave assault could not be completely halted by his battle weary troops and he directed them to withdraw. As his men moved to regroup, he remained behind to cover their withdrawal, rejoining them only after every man was safely away. Sergeant Jones' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.